A Call To Leaders

 

Without discipline we are open to all kinds of vices.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, November 13th, 2023
Texts: Wisdom 1:1-7; Psalm 139:1-10; Luke 17:1-6 

Today’s first reading is a call to leaders to walk the path of righteousness. This shows that having leaders that abandoned the path of righteousness is not new to history. There has always been leaders who are not upright and sincere in their thoughts about the Lord. They distrust God. The wise says their ways lead them away from God and make them unworthy of His spirit. He says, “For perverse thoughts separate men from God, and when his power is tested, it convicts the foolish; because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, nor dwell in a body enslaved to sin.” 

The wise also points out lack of discipline as what makes leaders and us indulge in sins and unrighteousness. He puts it thus: “For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will rise and depart from foolish thoughts, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness.” Discipline is the root of righteousness and holiness. Without discipline we are open to all kinds of vices. Hence, every leader must embrace discipline. Discipline is a way of maintaining sanctity. 

Wisdom is a kindly spirit but the kindness 

The wise also reminds us that no of our deeds escape God’s knowledge and that we will be held responsible. He says, “Because the Spirit of the  Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said.” Wisdom is a kindly spirit but the kindness is not to embrace evil or sin. We read, “For wisdom is a kindly spirit and will not free a blasphemer from the guilt of his words”.  

Jesus Christ warns us, today, against leading people astray. Temptation to sin is inescapable but it should not come from us. It is worst that it is better to prefer being thrown into the seas with millstones tied around the neck. Leaders have the capacity to lead people astray or on the right path, depending on their ways. A leader who is unrighteous cannot be free from leading people on the ways of unrighteousness. Forgiveness is key to living a righteous life. We are to forgive unceasingly. Apostles remind us that there is need for increase in faith to forgive. 

Prayer 

Lord God, we thank You for the gift of our leaders; we beg You to touch their hearts for our good and make them walk the path of righteousness; grant that we may also live righteously. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke